Alonso 'would be biggest threat to Vettel'

24 January 2012

Fernando Alonso would be the biggest threat to Sebastian Vettel if he was given a car capable of fighting for the championship title according to former F1 driver John Watson.

Some argue that Alonso should have taken the title back in 2010 only for poor strategy calls in the season finale in Abu Dhabi to hit his hopes as Vettel came through to win the race and lift the crown.

The Spaniard was then unable to challenge for the crown last year as Ferrari struggled to match Red Bull for pace but Watson said he saw no reason why the Scuderia couldn't return to form in 2012 and provide Alonso with a car that he can use to challenge for honours.

"Ferrari are consolidating and trying to strengthen the aerodynamic and mechanical side of the operation and it's about getting all the right people, at the right time in a team,” he told Sky Sports.

"They have two good drivers, but one outstanding driver in Alonso, who is the driving force right now I would say within Ferrari.

"Alonso is a driver capable of winning another world championship if not more, and given the opportunity, given the car, I would say he would be the biggest threat to Sebastian Vettel, but it's all going to come down to if Ferrari have provided Alonso and the Italian nation a car to challenge Red Bull and McLaren.”